Which of the following describes the difference between cluster and client execution modes?

Question

Options

• AThe cluster execution mode runs the driver on a worker node within a cluster, while the client
• BThe cluster execution mode is run on a local cluster, while the client execution mode is run in the
• CThe cluster execution mode distributes executors across worker nodes in a cluster, while the
• DThe cluster execution mode runs the driver on the cluster machine (also known as a gateway
• EThe cluster execution mode distributes executors across worker nodes in a cluster, while the

• A
  94% (32)
• B
  3% (1)
• E
  3% (1)

Explanation

Option A is correct because the defining difference between the two modes is where the driver program runs. In cluster mode, the driver is launched on a worker node inside the cluster, meaning the submitting client can disconnect after submission. In client mode, the driver runs on the machine that submitted the job (the client machine), which must remain connected for the entire duration of the application.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B incorrectly frames it as local vs. remote cluster deployment - both modes can target the same remote cluster; the distinction is driver placement, not cluster location.
• C and E describe executor distribution, which is the same in both modes - executors always run on worker nodes regardless of mode. These options blur the real distinction.
• D appears to describe the client mode scenario (running the driver on a gateway/edge machine), not cluster mode - it has the concept reversed.

Memory tip: Think of it from the driver's perspective - "Cluster mode = driver lives in the cluster; Client mode = driver stays with the client." A useful analogy: cluster mode is like mailing a letter (you hand it off and walk away), while client mode is like making a phone call (you must stay on the line the whole time).

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